
Welcome to the COS-MICs FAQ. We have gathered the most common queries to help you move from subscriber to active collaborator. If you don’t see an answer here, feel free to contact us.
What exactly is COS-MICs? COS-MICs (CA24160) is a COST Action dedicated to Comics and Sciences through Multidisciplinary Investigation and Collaboration. COS-MICs’ main goal is to structure an international federating network of researchers, professionals, and end-users on comics and science to gather research works and improve access to it and to the sources. This collaborative network will focus on enhancing the representation of science in comics, exploring their potential in education, and understanding their impact on society and public perceptions. The Action will promote cross-cultural dialogues, bringing together diverse voices and perspectives to improve the circulation of scientific knowledge through comics in Europe and beyond. You will find more information here: https://www.cost.eu/actions/ca24160/
Is COS-MICs only for “Hard Sciences” (STEM)? In COS-MICs, we embrace a definition of science rooted in inter and multidisciplinarity, which is inclusive of both STEM and non-STEM fields. For example, whether one is studying the biological impact of a virus (STEM) or the social consequences of a pandemic (non-STEM), the objective remains the same: to employ the visual grammar of comics to investigate, document, and communicate the breadth of human knowledge.
How long does the Action last? The Action officially runs for four years (2025–2029). You can find our full timeline and milestones in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
Does it cost anything to join COS-MICs? No. There is no membership fee. COST Actions are funded by the European Union, and our goal is to facilitate networking. Your “investment” is your time and expertise.
How much time do I need to commit? It is up to you. Passive members stay on the mailing list to receive news and event invites. Active members attend Working Group (WG) meetings, contribute to joint publications, or help organise workshops or propose activities. There is no “minimum hour” requirement, but the more you engage, the more you benefit from the network’s collaboration opportunities.
I’m on the mailing list, but am I an “Official Member“? Not necessarily. Being on the mailing list means you are part of the community. To be an “Official Member”, you must be formally affiliated with a Working Group via the e-COST platform. If you’re unsure, check your profile status on the Action’s e-COST page.
How do I join a specific Working Group (WG)? Easy! Log into e-COST, go to the CA24160 page, and click “Apply”. It helps to send a quick introductory email to the WG Leader or to the Action Chair to let them know how you want to contribute (e.g., as a researcher, an artist, or a communicator).
Can I invite a colleague or a comic artist to join? Absolutely. We are an open network. Send them the link to our Membership Page so they can sign up and apply for a WG. The more multidisciplinary we are, the better our results!
I am not affiliated with an university. Can I still collaborate? Yes, absolutely! COS-MICs thrives on collaboration between researchers, artists, and society. However, an affiliation with a legal entity (= any form of recognised relationship between the individual and a legal entity) is mandatory for WG/AdHoc participation. You can participate if you are a comic professional (artists, illustrators, translators, scriptwriters, or editors), a creative industry representative (working for publishing houses, comic studios, etc.), an outreach professional (working in museums, science centres, Associations, NGOs, or secondary education), etc.
Can I list my COS-MICs membership on my CV? Please do! You can list yourself as a “Member of COST Action CA24160 (COS-MICs)”. If you hold a specific role (like WG Leader), make sure to highlight that leadership position.